537. Shall We Know Each Other in the Future Life?

We find the assurance of heavenly recognition in a number of passages both in the Old Testament and New Testament David said of his dead son: "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (II Sam. 12:23). See also the parable of Dives and Lazarus, which teaches recognition. See Matt. 17:3; Luke 16:23; Rom. 14:12; Eph. 3:15; Phil. 3:20; I Thess. 4:13-18; Heb. 12:1; Heb. 13:17; Rev. 6:9,10; Matt. 8:11. These and other passages indicate the preservation of identity. We have no reason to doubt that the redeemed will know each other, that pure friendship begun on earth will there be perfected, that we shall know the saints and our own dear ones. Heaven is the Christian's fatherland, where we shall see our friends and know them.